HR Intern

The UNOPS Africa Regional Office, based in Nairobi, Kenya, oversees the delivery of over 250 projects across 40 countries, with a focus on fragile and conflict-affected settings. Supported by more than 1,000 personnel across five multi-country offices—spanning North, West, Central, Eastern and Southern Africa, and the Horn of Africa—the office advances national priorities through strategic initiatives in Climate Action, Health, Infrastructure, Peace and Security, Middle-Income Country Support, and Small Island Developing States (SIDS). The Regional Office provides strategic leadership, operational support, and oversight in key areas including Partnerships, Communications, Management and Oversight, Infrastructure and Project Management, Health and Safety, and Security. By promoting excellence in project delivery, fostering knowledge sharing, and driving continuous improvement, the office contributes to sustainable infrastructure, transparent resource management, and a better quality of life for communities across the continent.

Based in Addis Ababa, the Horn of Africa Multi-Country Office (HAMCO) delivers project management, procurement, and infrastructure services across Djibouti, Ethiopia, South Sudan, and Sudan, with a primary focus on health, agriculture, and economic development. Established in 2009, HAMCO partners with governments and development stakeholders to implement impactful, results-driven initiatives that contribute to sustainable development. Since 2024, new projects have been aimed at expanding access to healthcare, education, energy, and livelihoods, particularly in underserved and conflict-affected regions. HAMCO also provides human resource management services, supporting the effective implementation of development initiatives. Key efforts include equipping research facilities, strengthening education and health systems, building vaccine research capacity, and enhancing resilience in communities affected by crisis. Through these interventions, HAMCO contributes to inclusive growth, regional stability, and the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) across the Horn of Africa.

Since 2005, UNOPS has supported South Sudan’s development through critical infrastructure projects that improve access to essential services and livelihoods, particularly in rural and underserved areas. Efforts focus on the design, construction, and rehabilitation of roads, airstrips, ports, and bridges to enhance connectivity and promote economic activity. UNOPS also builds schools, health facilities, and government offices to strengthen basic service delivery and institutional capacity. In addition to infrastructure, UNOPS provides procurement and operational support to the Government and development partners, enabling efficient and transparent implementation of key initiatives. All efforts are geared toward improving socio-economic conditions, fostering resilience, and supporting long-term development across South Sudan.

The internship is a learning and working opportunity that targets fresh graduates. The intern will assist the Human Resources Unit and support the Ethiopia Multi-Country Office (ETMCO). The intern will be exposed to practical learning and working experiences that foster the development of his /her path. The Intern will work full-time and follow the same working hours as UNOPS employees.

Under the close supervision of the HR Officer, the intern will support HR tasks and selectively drive particular work items on their own as part of their on-the-job learning program. The intern will be exposed to all UNOPS' HR functions and will be supporting the HR team in providing HR services.

1. Recruitment Support

• Support outreach efforts for recruitment campaigns.
• Assist in longlisting and shortlisting candidates based on predefined criteria.
• Assist with the administration of written assessments to candidates.
• Provide administrative and logistical support to general recruitment processes.
• Participate in interview panels and take minutes during interviews.

2. HR Support to the Portfolio Team

• Administer contracts within UNOPS' ERP system, ensuring accuracy and compliance.
• Research and contribute to the competency-based interview questions library.
• Coordinate and monitor payments for retainers, ensuring timely processing.
• Support the HR Officer on a daily basis, facilitating HR policy advice to the portfolio and/or hosted entity personnel.
• Contribute to other research projects as assigned.

3. Knowledge Building and Knowledge Sharing

• Contribute to knowledge management projects, sharing insights and best practices.
• Provide suggestions for policy improvements based on practical experience.
• Support process efficiency initiatives to streamline HR operations.
• Provide input to the development and maintenance of corporate systems and tools.

4. Training and Development

• Participate in training on Competency Based Interview Methodology.
• Learn the use of UNOPS ERP system for HR-related tasks.
• Gain an understanding of the different contract modalities within UNOPS.
• Be exposed to different hiring processes and to all the different policies and regulations related to the HR function in UNOPS.

Required:

• Currently enrolled in a university degree or have graduated from a university degree within the last 3 years at the time of the application. Preferably the candidate is studying one of the following subjects: Human Resources Management, Business Administration, or related areas.

Desired:

• Area of study should preferably be in Human Resource Management

Required:

• Applicants are not required to have professional work experience.

Desired:

• Experience with Google Suite applications

• UNOPS does not accept unsolicited resumes.
• UNOPS will at no stage of the recruitment process request candidates to make payments of any kind.
• Applications to vacancies must be received before midnight Copenhagen time (CET) on the closing date of the announcement. Applications received after the closing date will not be considered.
• Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and invited to proceed to the next stage of the selection process, which may include various assessments.
• UNOPS embraces diversity and is committed to equal employment opportunity. Our workforce consists of a wide range of nationalities, cultures, languages, races, gender identities, sexual orientations, and abilities. We strive to sustain and strengthen this diversity, fostering an inclusive working environment where all personnel are treated with respect and have equal access to opportunities.
• UNOPS evaluates all applications based on the skills, qualifications and experience outlined in the vacancy announcement. We are committed to a fair and transparent selection process and welcome diverse perspectives, including those of women, indigenous and racialized communities, individuals of diverse gender identities and sexual orientations, and persons with disabilities.
• We are committed to enabling all candidates to perform at their best during the assessment process. If you are shortlisted and require support or reasonable accommodation to complete any assessment, please inform our human resources team upon receiving your invitation.
• UNOPS has zero tolerance for sexual exploitation and abuse (SEA), sexual harassment, and other forms of abusive conduct, including discrimination, abuse of authority, and harassment. To uphold these standards, background checks are conducted for all final candidates to help ensure that individuals with a history of such conduct are not hired. By applying for a position with UNOPS, candidates acknowledge and consent to these verification processes.
  

• For staff positions only, UNOPS reserves the right to appoint a candidate at a lower level than the advertised level of the post.
• For retainer contracts, you must complete a few mandatory courses (they take around 4 hours to complete) in your own time, before providing services to UNOPS. Refreshers or new mandatory courses may be required during your contract. Please note that you will not receive any compensation for taking courses and refreshers. For more information on a retainer contract here.
• For more details about the contract types, please click here.
• All UNOPS personnel are responsible for performing their duties in accordance with the UN Charter and UNOPS Policies and Instructions, as well as other relevant accountability frameworks. In addition, all personnel must demonstrate an understanding of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in a manner consistent with UN core values and the UN Common Agenda.
• It is the policy of UNOPS to conduct background checks on all potential personnel. Recruitment in UNOPS is contingent on the results of such checks.